Spices to Control COVID-19 Symptoms: Yes, but Not Only .

There are large country variations in COVID-19 death rates that may be partly explained by diet. Many countries with low COVID-19 death rates have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented vegetables such as cabbage and, in some continents, various spices. Fermented vegetables and spices are agonists of the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), and spices are transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 and vanillin 1 (TRPA1/V1) agonists. These mechanisms may explain many COVID-19 symptoms and severity. It appears that there is a synergy between Nrf2 and TRPA1/V1 foods that may explain the role of diet in COVID-19. One of the mechanisms of COVID-19 appears to be an oxygen species (ROS)-mediated process in synergy with TRP channels, modulated by Nrf2 pathways. Spicy foods are likely to desensitize TRP channels and act in synergy with exogenous antioxidants that activate the Nrf2 pathway.

Potential Interplay between Nrf2, TRPA1, and TRPV1 in Nutrients for the Control of COVID-19.

In this article, we propose that differences in COVID-19 morbidity may be associated with transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and/or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation as well as desensitization. TRPA1 and TRPV1 induce inflammation and play a key role in the physiology of almost all organs. They may augment sensory or vagal nerve discharges to evoke pain and several symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, nasal obstruction, vomiting, diarrhea, and, at least partly, sudden and severe loss of smell and taste. TRPA1 can be activated by reactive oxygen species and may therefore be up-regulated in COVID-19. TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels can be activated by pungent compounds including many nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) (Nrf2)-interacting foods leading to channel desensitization. Interactions between Nrf2-associated nutrients and TRPA1/TRPV1 may be partly responsible for the severity of some of the COVID-19 symptoms. The regulation by Nrf2 of TRPA1/TRPV1 is still unclear, but suggested from very limited clinical evidence. In COVID-19, it is proposed that rapid desensitization of TRAP1/TRPV1 by some ingredients in foods could reduce symptom severity and provide new therapeutic strategies.

General Synthetic Route to High-Quality Colloidal III-V Semiconductor Quantum Dots Based on Pnictogen Chlorides.

The synthesis of colloidal III-V quantum dots (QDs), particularly of the arsenides and antimonides, has been limited by the lack of stable and available group V precursors. In this work, we exploit accessible InCl3- and pnictogen chloride-oleylamine as precursors to synthesize III-V QDs. Through coreduction reactions of the precursors, we achieve size- and stoichiometry-tunable binary InAs and InSb as well as ternary alloy InAs1-xSbx QDs. On the basis of structural, analytical, optical, and electrical characterization of the QDs and their thin-film assemblies, we study the effects of alloying on their particle formation and optoelectronic properties. We introduce a hydrazine-free hybrid ligand-exchange process to improve carrier transport in III-V QD thin films and realize InAs QD field-effect transistors with electron mobility > 5 cm2/(V s). We demonstrate that III-V QD thin films are promising candidate materials for infrared devices and show InAs1-xSbx QD photoconductors with superior short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) photoresponse than those of the binary QD devices.

Roseovarius faecimaris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, obligate aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated MME-070T, was isolated from a tidal flat near Muui-do, Incheon, Republic of Korea. This bacterium belonged to the Roseobacterclade within the family Rhodobacteraceae. The isolate grew at 20-40 °C, pH 7.0-9.0 with 1-5 % (w/v) NaCl. Optimal growth required 2-3 % (w/v) NaCl at 25-30 °C and pH 8.0. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MME-070T was most closely related to Roseovarius aestuarii SMK-122T (96.9 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain MME-070T clustered with the genus Roseovarius. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-10. Polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, unidentified aminolipid and some unidentified lipids. Major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content of the type strain was 63.6 mol%. Based on polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strain MME-070T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius faecimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MME-070T (=KCCM 43142T=JCM 30757T).

Bright and vivid plasmonic color filters having dual resonance modes with proper orthogonality.

The mode orthogonality fundamentally influences the scattering spectra of multi-resonance systems, such as plasmonic color filters. We show that planar arrays of silver nanostructures with dual localized surface plasmon resonances and the right mode orthogonality can function as transmissive RGB color filters with peak transmittances higher than 70%, and color gamut areas larger than 90% of the sRGB space. These are the brightest and most saturated of all designs proposed thus far. We present the Pareto frontier from designs with more than 80% peak transmittance, to designs that achieve a color gamut larger than 120% of the sRGB space.

Bacterial community analysis in three types of the fermented seafood, jeotgal, produced in South Korea.

Jeotgal is a traditional Korean seafood fermented by indigenous microbes. The bacterial community in five myeolchi-jeot (Engraulis japonica), five meongge-jeot (Halocynthia roretzi), and six saeu-jeot (Acetes japonicas) produced in South Korea was analyzed by barcoded pyrosequencing targeting the V1/V2 hyper-variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. All samples were dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, which represented 67.7% (SD = 27.2%) of the population. Tetragenococcus halophilus and Tetragenococcus muriaticus were the predominant species in myeolchi-jeot. The LABs, Lactobacillus sakei, Lactobacillus curvatus, and Weissella koreensis were the predominant species in meongge-jeot. In myeolchi-jeot and meongge-jeot, the bacterial communities within samples were consistent in their predominance, however each of saeu-jeot samples had inter-individual variety in the bacterial community leading to the difficulties of standardization for the commercial production of saeu-jeot. The results of this study will conclusively help to expand our basic knowledge of jeotgal and the related microorganisms involved in food fermentation.

Process development of oxalic acid production in submerged culture of Aspergillus niger F22 and its biocontrol efficacy against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

Oxalic acid has potent nematicidal activity against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. In this study, fermentation parameters for oxalic acid production in submerged culture of Aspergillus niger F22 at 23, 25, and 30 °C were optimized in 5-L jar fermenters. The viscosity of the culture broth increased with increasing temperature. There was a negative correlation between oxalic acid production and the apparent viscosity; high volumetric productivity of oxalic acid was obtained at low apparent viscosity (less than 1000 cP), with a productivity of more than 100 mg/L h. When the apparent viscosity was over 2500 cP, the volumetric productivity decreased below 50 mg/L h. In addition, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, K L a, positively correlated with volumetric productivity. When the K L a value increased from 0.0 to 0.017 /s, the volumetric productivity proportionally increased up to 176 mg/L h. When the temperature decreased, K L a increased due to the decrease in viscosity, leading to increased volumetric productivity. The highest productivity of 7453.3 mg/L was obtained at the lowest temperature, i.e., 23 °C. The nematicidal activity of culture filtrate was proportional to the content of oxalic acid. Based on a constant impeller tip speed, oxalic acid production was successfully scaled up to a 500-L pilot vessel, producing a final concentration comparable to that in the 5-L jar.

Paenibacillus arcticus sp. nov., isolated from Arctic soil.

A Gram-positive, endospore-forming, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain MME2_R6T, was isolated from Arctic soil, and it was identified by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain was psychrotolerant, growing at 4‒24 °C. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain MME2_R6T was closest to Paenibacillus swuensis DY6T, with 93.9 % similarity. However, in phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain MME2_R6T showed that it clustered with Paenibacillus contaminans CKOBP-6T and the sequencing similarity between the two species was 93.7 %. Its major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0, like other Paenibacillus species. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 44.2 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, a novel species, Paenibacillus arcticus sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is MME2_R6T (=JCM 30981T=PAMC 28731T).

Flavimarina flava sp. nov., isolated from Salicornia herbacea.

A Gram-stain-negative, motile-by-gliding, aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and yellow-pigmented bacterium was isolated from Salicornia herbacea in the Yellow Sea and designated as strain MBLN091T. It belonged to the family Flavobacteriaceae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of this isolated strain was similar to that of Flavimarina pacifica IDSW-73T with 94.8 % similarity, and with 92.3-92.8 % similarities to those of other closely related species of the genus Leeuwenhoekiella. The similarities of the RNA polymerase subunit B gene between this strain and F. pacifica KCTC 32466T and Leeuwenhoekiella marinoflava DSM 3653T were 80.5 and 80.2 %, respectively. Growth of strain MBLN091T was observed in the presence of 0.5‒15.0 % (w/v) NaCl at 4‒35 °C and pH 6.0-8.0, with optimal growth in the presence of 2.5‒5.0 % (w/v) NaCl at 20‒25 °C and pH 7.0. This isolate was able to hydrolyse gelatin. The only respiratory quinone was MK-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified lipids. Major fatty acids of the isolate were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 G. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39.6 mol%. The physiological features were closely related to F. pacifica. Therefore, strain MBLN091T is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Flavimarina, for which the name Flavimarina flava sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MBLN091T (=KCTC 52527T=JCM 31731T).

Pseudoruegeria aestuarii sp. nov., of the family Rhodobacteraceae, isolated from a tidal flat.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain MME-001T, was isolated from the tidal flat of Muui-do in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain MME-001T belonged to the genus Pseudoruegeria in the family Rhodobacteraceae and that it shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Pseudoruegeria sabulilitoris GJMS-35T (98.0 % similarity of the 16S rRNA gene). Growth of strain MME-001T occurred in the presence of 1.0-7.0 % (w/v) NaCl at 15-40 °C and pH 7.0-9.0, with optimal growth in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl at 25-30 °C and pH 7.0. Ubiquinone-10 was the major respiratory quinone. Major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified lipid. The major cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The genomic DNA G+C content was 62 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain MME-001T and P. sabulilitoris KCTC 42111T, 'Pseudoruegeria limi' KCTC 32460, Pseudoruegeria lutimaris KCTC 22690T, Pseudoruegeria aquimaris KCTC 12737T and Pseudoruegeriahaliotis KACC 17214T was 36±5, 57±7, 34±4, 18±5 and 21±3 %, respectively. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic taxonomical properties, this strain MME-001T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudoruegeria, for which the name Pseudoruegeria aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MME-001T (=KCCM 43133T=JCM 30751T).

Lentibacillus kimchii sp. nov., an extremely halophilic bacterium isolated from kimchi, a Korean fermented vegetable.

A Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile and extremely halophilic bacterial strain, designated K9(T), was isolated from kimchi, a Korean fermented food. The strain was observed as endospore-forming rod-shaped cells showing oxidase and catalase activity. It was found to grow at 10.0-30.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 15.0-20.0 %), pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.5) and 15-40 °C (optimum, 30 °C). The polar lipids of strain K9(T) were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids and an unidentified glycolipid. The isoprenoid quinone was identified as menaquinone-7. The major cellular fatty acids (>20 % of the total) were found to be anteisio-C15:0 and anteisio-C17:0. The cell wall peptidoglycan composition was determined to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid. The G + C content of genomic DNA was determined to be 48.2 mol %. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolated strain is closely related to Lentibacillus salinarum AHS-1(T) (96.7 % sequence similarity). Based on its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain K9(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lentibacillus, for which the name Lentibacillus kimchii sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is K9(T) (=KACC 18490(T) = JCM 30234(T)).

Enhanced light extraction efficiency in organic light-emitting diode with randomly dispersed nanopattern.

An optical scattering layer composed of randomly dispersed nanopatterns (RDNPs) was introduced in an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) to increase the out-coupling efficiency. An RDNP was fabricated by direct printing on a glass substrate. Owing to its low haze and high transmittance, the RDNP acted as a light extraction layer in the OLED. The RDNP OLEDs showed higher current density and luminance than the reference devices at the same voltage. The current and power efficiencies of the RDNP OLED increased by 25% and 34%, respectively, without electrical degradation. Furthermore, the RDNP devices achieved an external quantum efficiency of 27.5% at 1 mA/cm².

Uniformly embedded silver nanomesh as highly bendable transparent conducting electrode.

Ag-nanomesh-based highly bendable conducting electrodes are developed using a combination of metal nanotransfer printing and embossing for the 6-inch wafer scale. Two Ag nanomeshes, including pitch sizes of 7.5 and 10 µm, are used to obtain highly transparent (approximately 85% transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm) and electrically conducting properties (below 10 Ω sq(-1)). The Ag nanomeshes are also distinguished according to the fabrication process, which is called transferred or embedded Ag nanomesh on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, in order to compare their stability against bending stress. Then the enhancement of bending stability when the Ag nanomesh is embedded in the PET substrate is confirmed.

Halobellus rufus sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt.

A halophilic archaeon, designed strain CBA1103(T), was isolated from non-purified solar salt. The cells of strain CBA1103(T) were observed to be Gram-stain negative and pleomorphic, and the colonies appear red. Strain CBA1103(T) was observed to grow between 20 and 55 °C (optimum 37 °C), and in NaCl concentrations of 10-30 % (w/v) (optimum 15 %) with 0-0.5 M MgSO4·7H2O (optimum 0.1 M) and at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0). Additionally, the cells lyse in distilled water. The major polar lipids of strain CBA1103(T) are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and two glycolipids chromatographically identical to sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and manosyl glucosyl diether. Strain CBA1103(T) is shown to belong to the Halobellus genus and exhibits similarity to related taxa; the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain CBA1103(T) and Halobellus rarus 18362(T), Hbs. limi 16811(T), Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118(T), Hbs. inordinatus YC20(T), Hbs. clavatus TNN18(T) and Hbs. salinus CSW2.24.4(T) is 97.3, 96.5, 96.5, 94.5, 94.5 and 93.7 %, respectively. The RNA polymerase subunit B gene sequence of strain CBA1103(T) shows 93.7 % similarity with the sequence of Hbs. litoreus JCM 17118(T); the similarity is lower with sequences from the type strains of other species of Halobellus. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA1103(T) was determined to be 67.0 mol% a value which is in the range of the genomic DNA G+C content of members of the genus Halobellus (61.5-69.2 mol%). These results suggest that strain CBA1103(T) should be considered to represent a new taxon for which the name Halobellus rufus sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CBA1103(T) (=CECT 8423(T) =JCM 19434(T)).

Halolamina rubra sp. nov., a haloarchaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt.

Two Gram-stain negative, rod-shaped and motile extreme halophiles, designated CBA1107(T) and CBA1108, were isolated from non-purified solar salt. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, strains CBA1107(T) and CBA1108 were shown to belong to the genus Halolamina, with similarities for the 16S rRNA gene sequences between strains CBA1107(T) and Halolamina pelagica TBN21(T) , Halolamina salina WSY15-H3(T) and Halolamina salifodinae WSY15-H1(T) of 98.3, 97.6 and 97.3 %, respectively; the similarities for the rpoB' gene sequences between the same strains were 96.0, 95.3 and 94.6 %, respectively. The colonies of both strains were observed to be red pigmented on growth medium. Strain CBA1107(T) was observed to grow at 20-50 °C, in the presence of 15-30 % NaCl, at pH 6.0-9.0, and with 0.005-0.5 M Mg(2+). The cells of both strains lysed in distilled water. The DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that strain CBA1107(T) shared 97 % relatedness with CBA1108 and <50 % relatedness with H. pelagica JCM 16809(T), H. salina JCM 18549(T) and H. salifodinae JCM 18548(T). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA1107(T) was determined to be 65.1 mol%. The major polar lipids of the two strains were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate and glycolipids including sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and mannosyl glucosyl diether. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic analyses, the strains are considered to represent a new taxon for which the name Halolamina rubra sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CBA1107(T) (=CECT 8421(T) =JCM 19436(T)).

Halapricum salinum gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from non-purified solar salt.

A halophilic archaeal strain, designated CBA1105(T), was isolated from non-purified solar salt. Strain CBA1105(T) was found to have three 16S rRNA genes, rrnA, rrnB and rrnC; similarities between the 16S rRNA gene sequences were 99.5-99.7 %. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBA1105(T) forms a distinct clade with the strains of the closely related genera, Halorientalis and Halorhabdus, with similarities of 94.2 % and 93.9-94.2 %, respectively. Multilocus sequence analysis confirmed that strain CBA1105(T) is closely related to the genus Halorhabdus or Halorientalis. Growth of the strain was observed in 15-30 % NaCl (w/v; optimum 20 %), at 30-45 °C (optimum 37 °C) and pH 7.0-8.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and with 0-0.5 M MgCl2·6H2O (optimum 0.05-0.2 M). The cells of the strain were observed to be Gram-stain negative and pleomorphic with coccoid or ovoid-shape. The cells lysed in distilled water. Tweens 20, 40 and 80 were found to be hydrolysed but starch, casein and gelatine were not. The cells were unable to reduce nitrate under aerobic conditions. Assays for indole formation and urease activity were negative and no growth was observed under anaerobic conditions. Cells were found to be able to utilize L-glutamate, D-glucose, L-maltose, D-mannose and sucrose as sole carbon sources. The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, unidentified glycolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The G+C content of strain CBA1105(T) was determined to be 66.0 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties suggest that the strain represents a novel species of a novel genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Halapricum salinum is proposed with CBA1105(T) (= KCTC 4202(T) = JCM 19729(T)) as the type strain.

Halorubrum halophilum sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt-fermented seafood.

A novel, red-pigmented, pleomorphic and short rod-shaped haloarchaeon, designated B8(T), was isolated from a salt-fermented seafood. Strain B8(T) was found to be able to grow at 20-45 °C, in the presence of 15-30 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0-9.0. The optimum requirements were found to be a temperature range of 35-40 °C, pH 8.0 and the presence of 25 % NaCl. The cells of strain B8(T) were observed to be Gram-staining negative and lysed in distilled water. Anaerobic growth did not occur in the presence of nitrate, L-arginine, dimethyl sulfoxide or trimethylamine N-oxide. The catalase and oxidase activities were found to be positive and nitrate was reduced in aerobic conditions. Tween 20, 40 and 80 were found to be hydrolyzed, whereas casein, gelatin and starch were not hydrolyzed. Indole or H2S was not formed and urease activity was not detected. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain B8(T) is most closely related to members of the genus Halorubrum in the family Halobacteriaceae. Strain B8(T) was found to have three 16S rRNA genes, rrnA, rrnB and rrnC; similarities between the 16S rRNA gene sequences are 99.0-99.8 %. Strain B8(T) shared 99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Halorubrum (Hrr.) lipolyticum JCM 13559(T) and Hrr. saccharovorum DSM 1137(T), 98.8 % with Hrr. kocurii JCM 14978(T), 98.3 % with Hrr. lacusprofundi DSM 5036(T), 98.0 % with Hrr. arcis JCM 13916(T), 97.7 % with Hrr. aidingense JCM 13560(T) and 97.0 % with Hrr. aquaticum JCM 14031(T), as well as 93.7-96.5 % with other type strains in the genus Halorubrum. The RNA polymerase subunit B' gene sequence similarity of strain B8(T) with Hrr. kocurii JCM 14978(T) is 97.2 % and lower with other members of the genus Halorubrum. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that strain B8(T) shared equal or lower than 50 % relatedness with reference species in the genus Halorubrum. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain B8(T) was determined to be 64.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone of strain B8(T) was identified as menaquinone-8 and the major polar lipids as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and an unidentified phospholipid. Based on this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain B8(T) is considered to represent a new species in the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Hrr. halophilum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B8(T) (=JCM 18963(T) = CECT 8278(T)).

Positive selecting cell type determines the phenotype of MHC class Ib-restricted CD8+ T cells.

Several studies have demonstrated an apparent link between positive selection on hematopoietic cells (HCs) and an "innate" T-cell phenotype. Whereas conventional CD8(+) T cells are primarily selected on thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and certain innate T cells are exclusively selected on HCs, MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells appear to be selected on both TECs and HCs. However, whether TEC- and HC-selected T cells represent distinct lineages or whether the same T-cell precursors have the capacity to be selected on either cell type is unknown. Using an M3-restricted T-cell receptor transgenic mouse model, we demonstrate that not only are MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells capable of being selected on either cell type but that selecting cell type directly affects the phenotype of the resulting CD8(+) T cells. M3-restricted CD8(+) T cells selected on HCs acquire a more activated phenotype and possess more potent effector functions than those selected on TECs. Additionally, these two developmental pathways are active in the generation of the natural pool of M3-restricted CD8(+) T cells. Our results suggest that these two distinct populations may allow MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells to occupy different immunological niches playing unique roles in immune responses to infection.

Oral Administration of Alcohol-Tolerant Lactic Acid Bacteria Alleviates Blood Alcohol Concentration and Ethanol-Induced Liver Damage in Rodents.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative consequences on health, including addiction, liver damage, and other long-term effects. The causes of hangovers include dehydration, alcohol and alcohol metabolite toxicity, and nutrient deficiency due to absorption disorders. Additionally, alcohol consumption can slow reaction times, making it more difficult to rapidly respond to situations that require quick thinking. Exposure to a large amount of ethanol can also negatively affect a person's righting reflex and balance. In this study, we evaluated the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to alleviate alcohol-induced effects and behavioral responses. Two LAB strains isolated from kimchi, Levilactobacillus brevis WiKim0168 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides WiKim0172, were selected for their ethanol tolerance and potential to alleviate hangover symptoms. Enzyme activity assays for alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were then conducted to evaluate the role of these bacteria in alcohol metabolism. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, these strains were assessed for their ability to reduce blood alcohol concentrations and protect against alcohol-induced liver damage. The results indicated that these LAB strains possess significant ethanol tolerance and elevate ADH and ALDH activities. LAB administration remarkably reduced blood alcohol levels in rats after excessive alcohol consumption. Moreover, the LAB strains showed hepatoprotective effects and enhanced behavioral outcomes, highlighting their potential as probiotics for counteracting the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. These findings support the development of functional foods incorporating LAB strains that can mediate behavioral improvements following alcohol intake.

Autoreactive CD1b-restricted T cells: a new innate-like T-cell population that contributes to immunity against infection.

Group 1 CD1 (CD1a, -b, and -c) presents self and foreign lipid antigens to multiple T-cell subsets in humans. However, in the absence of a suitable animal model, the specific functions and developmental requirements of these T cells remain unknown. To study group 1 CD1-restricted T cells in vivo, we generated double transgenic mice (HJ1Tg/hCD1Tg) that express group 1 CD1 molecules in a similar pattern to that observed in humans (hCD1Tg) as well as a TCR derived from a CD1b-autoreactive T-cell line (HJ1Tg). Using this model, we found that similar to CD1d-restricted NKT cells, HJ1 T cells exhibit an activated phenotype (CD44(hi)CD69(+)CD122(+)) and a subset of HJ1 T cells expresses NK1.1 and is selected by CD1b-expressing hematopoietic cells. HJ1 T cells secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to stimulation with CD1b-expressing dendritic cells derived from humans as well as hCD1Tg mice, suggesting that they recognize species conserved self-lipid antigen(s). Importantly, this basal autoreactivity is enhanced by TLR-mediated signaling and HJ1 T cells can be activated and confer protection against Listeria infection. Taken together, our data indicate that CD1b-autoreactive T cells, unlike mycobacterial lipid antigen-specific T cells, are innate-like T cells that may contribute to early anti-microbial host defense.